The European Commission has initiated antitrust investigations into Meta’s new artificial intelligence policy implemented on WhatsApp. This move comes as European regulators intensify scrutiny of major technology firms to ensure user data protection and fair competition within the market. Italy has been exempted from this investigation, as its competition authorities are already pursuing separate legal actions against Meta. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has raised concerns in the European market regarding user privacy and data usage through its new AI policies, particularly those enhancing WhatsApp with automated responses and other AI features aimed at improving user experience. The European Commission’s inquiry seeks to determine whether Meta’s policy complies with EU competition laws and consumer rights, and if it confers any unfair market advantage. Should Meta’s policy be found illegal, the company may be required to amend its policies or face substantial fines. This investigation not only impacts Meta but also signals a warning to other major tech companies to exercise caution with their AI services and data policies. The EU’s actions may mark a significant development in the global oversight of digital platforms.
Source: decrypt
